STUDENTS should not be “held to ransom” by institutions over delays in subsidy payments from the Government, says Department of Higher Education Research Science and Technology (DHERST) Secretary Fr Jan Czuba.
He told The National that students who met academic requirements and had paid all fees were entitled to graduate and receive their qualification documents. “A student has done her or his work by advancing academically,” Fr Czuba said. “It is not the fault of a student that the TESAS (Tertiary Education Students Assistance Scheme) is delayed. “No higher education institution can stop a student from graduating or withhold diplomas or other qualification because TESAS fees are outstanding. “It is simply not right.” He said this in response to concerns that Port Moresby Business College was withholding certificates from students due to payment delays from DHERST. “Payments are made each semester,” Fr Czuba said. “DHERST already made semester one TESAS payments in September 2017. “Therefore, only semester two payments of K597,585.60 for Port Moresby Business College are currently outstanding. “This is the same situation for all other higher education institutions in PNG and not the Port Moresby Business College alone.” Fr Czuba said semester two payment delays were due the global economic challenges and students should not be held responsible for this. “The Government is very much committed to addressing this situation,” he said. “The Department of Treasury has released additional funding in December to deal with the TESAS payments issue. “The final payment for semester two for Port Moresby Business College and other institutions is currently pending clearance from the Department of Finance, which is a standard process. “The DHERST is working closely with the Department of Finance to ensure payments are made to all institutions. “The DHERST would like to advise all higher education institutions that the government is committed to making the TESAS payment. “Not allowing students to graduate and withholding document qualifications is legally and ethically wrong.” Share your Inspirational Stories, Education Issues, Education Talk. Let your voice be heard: Send us your stories to us: email : [email protected] Share this
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